To My Brothers

Well this week for my blog, I feel inspired to write a few words of advice for Wy leaving at the end of June to Guatemala, and Wes and Wade as near-future missionaries. :) 

First and foremost, be obedient.  Read the white-handbook and respect the fact that the Prophet and His Apostles have written these rules for our physical and spiritual safety and protection as missionaries.  They want us to be the best missionaries we can be, and the only way we do that is by abiding by the white handbook.  Dad likes to call it the "white bible" because it truly becomes the new law around everything you do. The important thing to remember as a missionary is that you aren't doing what YOU want to do anymore, you're doing what THE LORD wants you to do.  He won't be able to help you if you don't let him, and being obedient is the first step.  You will be blessed with opportunities to teach more people and the Spirit and power will be added to the words and message you share.  I have experienced such blessings, so be obedient. D&C 130:20-21

Second, prepare yourself everyday through scripture study and prayer. Your study in the morning will your greatest help if you put some effort in.  The Lord is so willing to enlighten our minds and answer our questions if we do our best to understand His doctrine and prepare to teach it.  I have received so many insights and answers to prayers as I've studied and truly "feasted" on His word. I find so much comfort and peace in the words we have to read from, especially in the Book of Mormon.  That will be your greatest tool to help someone gain a testimony of the Restored Gospel.  It would only make sense that we do what we ask our investigators to do, and that is to read and pray.  By so doing, we not only continue to build and strengthen our own testimony but we are then more prepared to answer questions and resolve concerns that our investigators may come across. Alma 37:36

Third, follow the Spirit.  If you are being obedient and studying hard, you will have the Spirit with you.  He will tell you where to go, what to say, and how to act.  You will feel of the power and authority you have as a full-time missionary and the Spirit is what gives you that power and authority. Pray to receive and recognize the promptings and then do your best to act on that guidance.  If you have faith to find, teach, and baptize, the Lord will show you the way through the companionship of the Holy Ghost. D&C 100:5-8

Fourth, remember that it isn't easy, that's why they call it missionary WORK, but you will find joy as you focus on the people around you and those you serve.  If you try to love and serve the people with all your might, you will feel of Heavenly Father's love for them and you will gain a greater understanding of how much Heavenly Father loves you.  The companions you serve with, the members you serve with, the investigators you serve, and everybody else you come in contact with will all help shape you as a person and help you become the person Heavenly Father wants you to be. You can learn something from each person you work with and if you will enjoy your time with them, they will become dear friends in this life and the eternities. Luke 9:23-24, D&C 130:2

Fifth, love the Lord and love His gospel.  Preach My Gospel says at the beginning of Chapter 3, "The lessons in this chapter contain the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments that you are to study, believe, love, live, and teach."  I love that! If you truly love the Lord and love the message that we have to share, people will see it in your eyes.  They will want to listen to the words you share and they will feel of the Spirit you have.  They will be able to recognize your sincerity and love for the gospel.  If you don't enjoy and love what you're living, what is the point of trying to share it with others?! Mark 12:30

I could probably write a novel of all the things I've learned and the advice I could give, but these 5 points will have to do and I know as you do them and serve the Lord with all your heart, might, mind and strength, He will not only bless you and change you to the person He wants you to become, but you will bless an innumerable amount of people through the service you give.  I love the Lord and His Gospel and I'm so grateful to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I wouldn't trade my mission for anything.  The experience and the lessons I've learned are priceless.  The last two scriptures have been my favorite throughout my mission so far: D&C 123:12-17 and D&C 4.  

I love you boys and have full faith and confidence in you! Do your best and the Lord will do the rest. I know that to be true. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, England